'We are trying out Dooley on an experimental basis', says Sports Minister
Sports Minister Aminul Haque. File photo.
Just a day earlier, BFF (Bangladesh Football Federation) had officially announced Thomas Dooley's name as the head coach of the Bangladesh national football team through a press release. However, Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque said the contract with the German-American coach would be finalized after the friendly match against San Marino. Bangladesh will play a FIFA Tier-1 international friendly against hosts San Marino on June 5. According to him, Thomas Dully will be evaluated during that very match.
Speaking on Saturday, at a grassroots football festival organized to mark 'World Football Day' at the City Club ground in the capital, Aminul Haque said, "We want to treat the match against San Marino as a test. The BFF president discussed this matter. Our priority was Coleman, but that didn't happen due to some complications with the agent. Later, after discussions with our second and third choice coaches and with BFF officials, a final decision was made."
He further said, "Since we have almost 16 matches in the next two years, the SAFF Championship is important among them. It has already been announced regarding the coach who has arrived. We will see how he performs in the upcoming match. Only after that will the Bangladesh Football Federation possibly go ahead and formally sign a contract with him."
When asked whether Thomas Dooley's contract with BFF had actually been finalized, the Sports Minister replied, "I told the BFF president that we want to treat the match against San Marino as a test. After observing that, we will make a final decision. I have informed you of whatever discussion I had with the BFF president. They had sought my full cooperation regarding Coleman, which I agreed to. But regarding Thomas Dooley, BFF did not seek any cooperation from me."
On the coordination between the ministry and BFF, the Sports Minister said, "Let me say one thing: I am a footballer myself, so I understand many things. But I listen to many people who don't seem to have much knowledge about football. Given Bangladesh's context, since we are trying out this coach on an experimental basis, we will assess him through that trial. The BFF president has been told to keep looking. If we find someone better in the future, we can bring him quickly. However, there is no any difference (over any decision making) between the Sports Ministry and BFF. Some quarters may be trying to create a rift or an issue. I don't think there is any gap. Whatever is happening is happening after consultation with us."
